Are you ready to take your events from good to extraordinary? In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Kaiser, a researcher and engagement expert who has conducted over 477 interviews to uncover the secrets of attendee engagement. We explore how to create memorable experiences that keep participants coming back year after year.

The Heart of Engagement

Amanda shares her insights on what truly drives engagement at events:

• It's not just about metrics - it's about how attendees feel
• Creating a sense of belonging and community
• Fostering connections between participants
• Designing experiences that capture attention and spark curiosity

Strategies for First-Timers and Veterans

We discuss tailored approaches to engage different types of attendees:

• Helping newcomers feel welcomed and part of the community
• Providing opportunities for seasoned attendees to contribute and lead
• Creating spaces for serendipitous connections to flourish

Beyond the Checklist

Amanda emphasizes the importance of going beyond logistics to create truly engaging events:

• Modeling the behavior you want to see in attendees
• Empowering "super connectors" to facilitate introductions
• Designing purposeful experiences that align with your event's goals

Key Takeaways:

• Understand engagement from the attendee's perspective
• Create welcoming experiences from the moment of registration
• Provide opportunities for collaboration and connection
• Empower long-time attendees to become ambassadors
• Go beyond logistics to craft meaningful, memorable moments

Whether you're planning your first event or looking to revitalize a long-standing gathering, this conversation offers valuable insights to elevate your attendee experience and foster a vibrant community.

Follow Amanda:

• https://amandaleakaiser.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakaiser/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYrGhsLP5Me3CPEHple5Vug